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3. Hogmanay

  • Date/Period: 31st December
  • Location: all over Scotland

Hogmanay* is just the Scottish version of New Year’s.

(*No, no one really knows where the ‘Hogmanay’ name comes from, but that’s what people call the celebration anyway).

Hogmanay fireworksHogmanay fireworksPin

In many ways, Hogmanay is pretty similar to New Year celebrations across the western world (expect drinking, dancing, fireworks, late nights, busy parties, busy streets, and people hanging around with their families and friends).

But it also has some unique features. Depending on where you go, you might see bonfires, traditional Scottish dances, torchlit processions, and traditional food. Eats and treats include black buns (which are basically just fruit cakes), neeps and tatties (that’s Scottish for ‘turnips and potatoes’), shortbread (a buttery crumbly biscuit), and haggis (which you all already know about).

… and at midnight, no matter where you are, everyone will sing Auld Lang Syne, an iconic song probably written by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (who even has his own special day, and who I’ll be mentioning again pretty soon).

If you want to see the biggest celebrations, go to Edinburgh. If you want to see something a bit more local and traditional, head as far north as you can, or go to a little Scottish island.

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